zo

Playing: Somebody Else by The 1975

Y/n was greeted by the blue mood lighting accompanied by house songs as she steps inside the joint dorm of the UCONN Huskies. Everyone was either dancing or laughing around with their companions.

Y/n headed to the kitchen, looking for either Ice, KK, or Paige (and she hopes she does not see Paige first). Unfortunately for Y/n, the latter came to life. Paige saw Y/n and approached her, along with the Shirley Temple she had been drinking.

“Hey baby, I have been waiting for you, you didn’t seem okay after the game.” Paige held your hands, and brought you to a more quiet corner of the dorm. “No, I am okay, don’t worry Paige. We’re here to celebrate your win.” You gave her a weak encouraging smile, which the basketball player reciprocated.

After a quick small talk with the “couple,” Paige was approached by a group of friends, and to no surprise, Mia was part of that circle. They all seemed to have fun, creating jokes and sharing stories. A while after, Y/n excused herself.

Y/n felt suffocated, not being able to talk to Paige genuinely and alone. She wanted to spend more time with her.

As she was passing by all the people dancing and drinking, Y/n got stopped by none other than Ice and KK. “Woah woah woah, what’s wrong?” Ice asked, knowing how Y/n looks when she is not feeling the best. “Oh no I’m alright, just looking for Paige.” Y/n stated the white lie, actually wanting the opposite of what she said—staying away from Paige.

“Then we will look for her! Follow us Y/n.” KK grabbed Y/n’s arm on her right, while Ice’s arm on her left. “No no no no no no, it’s okay! I can do it myself.” Y/n panicked.

“Girl, we are already here, it’s okay. Let’s look for your girl.” KK said, starting to walk around dragging Ice and Y/n alone. Y/n just nervously chuckled as a response.

After about 15 minutes, they all still haven’t seen Paige. The trio was about to give up (thank heavens, Y/n thought.) “Where is your girlfriend, I swear we have been looking for her for a whole hour!” KK exaggerated, getting quite annoyed that they have not found their teammate yet.

The trio then headed to a more quiet corner, near the doors to the bedrooms. “You guys I swear, it’s okay that we don’t find Paige.” Y/n sighed, but Ice cut her off when she started to hear the voice of the person they were looking for.

“Mia, I don’t know what you want. You broke up with me for someone else then you come back running?” Paige was heard complaining from the other side of the door, her and Mia were talking inside Paige’s room.

“But why the hell are you with someone who hurted me?” Mia was heard shouting. “I didn’t even know you guys were friends! You are the one dating someone who I then cared about from another basketball team!” Paige said, having a fuming tone.

Ice and KK were both looking at Y/n, both with concern and surprise. “Damn, Mia is after your girl!” KK stated. “Hey what’s up Y/n? Are you and Paige okay? Why is she even talking to Mia?” Ice asked and held your arm.

“Guys it’s okay, I think we should go, it seems like a private conversation.” Y/n shrugged, just wanting to get out of the dorm. “It is not okay! That’s your girlfriend!” KK felt shocked that those words even came out of Y/n’s mouth.

Y/n felt defeated, she didn’t know what to do. She didn’t feel great even from the start, and it was all suffocating her. “Guys, can we go back to my dorm? I have to tell you guys something.” Y/n asked, which the two basketball players nodded to. The trio then left Paige and her somebody else alone.

-

When they headed back to Y/n’s dorm, the two players sat and waited for Y/n to speak. Y/n got everyone a cup of water, and started to explain what’s going on.

“Please do not get mad at me, but.. Paige and I’s relationship isn’t real. It’s all fake.” Y/n started. KK and Ice screamed. “WHAT? What do you mean?” The basketball players were surprised. The relationship felt too real.

“It was just a way for us to get something we want. It was never serious.” Y/n continued, “Paige wanted her ex back, and I wanted Emily to stay quite far.”

“Oh honey, I can’t believe you both made me believe so hard! I thought you guys were actually into each other.” KK stated. “True! The hugs, the nicknames, and all the small sweet gestures to each other? That can’t be not real.” Ice added, agreeing to what KK said.

“Well surprise! Felt too good to even be true.” Y/n chuckled. What Paige was showing to her was too good to be true.

“And unfortunately, something has eaten me up. The whole night actually since the game.” Y/n started getting the same feeling as to when she was thinking whether her feelings for Paige were real.

“I’m quite done with this relationship. Emily doesn’t really bother me, I mean she messaged quite a lot before, but it lessened recently. And to add.. I think I’m starting to fall for Paige, but she’s close to getting Mia back. I just want this agreement to be gone because my feelings will become unbearable everytime I see her.” Y/n started to cry.

“I’ve always felt something weird whenever I see Mia, however, acknowledging that I like Paige now, seeing Mia will hurt me at least a hundred times more.” Y/n further explained. Ice and KK hugged Y/n, rubbing their hands on Y/n’s shoulders.

“Oh gosh, Paige is messing you up.” Ice started, “We are so sorry Y/n.” KK followed. The basketball players then hugged Y/n, which brought all of them comfort.

“Y/n, what do you want to do about your situation?” KK asked after the three of you got out of the hug.

“To not make matters worse, I would have to stop the arrangement now.” Y/n said. “You are right. But before that, I don’t know anything about Emily, however, you should have closure with her first before cutting the arrangement off with Paige. She was the reason you said yes from the start.” Ice explained, which Y/n nodded to.

“Ice is right you know, since Paige is already talking to her ‘somebody else,’ maybe it’s time to clear up the air with your ‘somebody else’.” KK nodded at Ice.

It has been a month of Paige and Y/n’s arrangement, and to say the least, Y/n’s whole college life has changed. Y/n gained friends, and her weekdays did not revolve only on her major and writing activities, Y/n started to have fun. Y/n realized that she’s got time; she’s got time to have fun, do leisure activities, and rest.

Y/n did not want to admit it, but it was all because of Paige. Paige introduced her to many opportunities where she can create fun memories that she will truly cherish. Y/n’s got people who are willing to accompany her whether it’s a morning jog or a drive around the area when she is not feeling her best.

KK and Ice are part of her closest friends now, and they are always with Y/n through the fun and not-so-fun times.

It was a Friday, and a game day. The UCONN wbb will be playing against Maryland. Luckily it was a home game, and Y/n did not have a long to-do list. Y/n prepared for the game, wearing Paige’s jersey and did braids on her hair, just like how Paige does it whenever she has a game.

-

When Y/n arrived at the UCONN stadium, she went to her courtside seat. She was enjoying the loud roars of excitement from all sides of the stadium. Y/n was entertaining herself by people watching (not in a weird way, of course), observing the referee reviewing a list, the thousands of people taking pictures of themselves, and professors coming inside the stadium together. However, her peaceful thoughts were taken away when she saw Mia sit down a few seats behind her.

Mia was also wearing the #5 jersey with confidence. When Mia saw Y/n, she went up to her. “Hey Y/n! Hope you enjoy the game. Girlfriend duties!” Mia says and gave a weak laugh. It wasn’t not-normal whenever Mia talks to Y/n about Paige, but even so, this time, Y/n did not feel good. She was reminded again of the fact that her and Paige’s arrangement is not real, and may end in the near future.

Y/n was then flooded with negative thoughts, but it was cut-off when it was announced that the game would start, along with the players coming out to the stadium. KK and Ice saw Y/n, and knew immediately that Y/n was not feeling good. They both waved to her, giving a smile, which Y/n reciprocated.

Ice approached Paige, telling her to give her note to Y/n. Paige smiled and ran to the girl on the courtside seats, and gave her a note. “Glad you’re here pretty” Paige said and gave a wink to Y/n running back to her teammates, which left Y/n confused.

Y/n opened the note stating:

Hi! I already know that you will look so pretty in my jersey. Hope you enjoy my hoops. Meet me after and hang with the team? <3 Paige

Y/n smiled while reading the note, and behind her was an annoyed Mia. Not once did Paige have given her a note, which was an action she had been requesting for Paige to do during their relationship. Mia scoffed at the sight of Y/n, giving her annoyance.

When the game had started, and Y/n’s phone was getting multiple notifications buzzes.

Emily

Hey Y/n! I am confused.

Please answer me soon? Just give me a sign that you are okay.

I do not want to lose my friend.

Y/n shrugged it off, not ready to talk to her just yet.

As the game was going on, she could see Paige looking at her area, just not sure if the player was looking for her or for Mia. And it bugged her like it was the end of the world.

Paige was playing skillfully, from giving many assists, to shooting many 3s, and Y/n felt starstruck with Paige. Shifting from Y/n’s focus to the court, her thoughts began running.

Playing: Feelings by Lauv.

Y/n’s never felt this way towards Paige. Paige was undeniably attractive, Y/n will admit to that, even both men and women wanting to grab a date with her. Y/n always felt proud and happy when she watched a game, but this time felt different. She’s always seen Paige as someone with good skills and looks, but at that moment, Paige had an aura that was driving Y/n insane.

Y/n then started to think about how she would approach Paige after the game. Should she wait for Paige to come to her or should she do the first move? Should she wear a cuter outfit for the hangout later? Would Mia approach Paige? Why is she even thinking about Paige?

At first, Y/n never thought that she would be into the blonde. This was just rather an arrangement for Emily to stop messaging Y/n and for Mia to be interested in Paige. However, as time passed, Y/n saw another side of Paige. She saw how Paige loves, she saw how Paige was hardworking and determined, and she saw how Paige was willing to make her feel comfortable and liked, even if it was all fake.

Y/n finally admitted to herself. She has feelings for Paige, and its growing. She wants to make time for Paige, and make Paige notice her.

Real feelings are hard to find, but Paige made it so easy.

But.. How is she supposed to tell others? KK and Ice would feel betrayed when they learn that her and Paige’s relationship was fake in the first place, the reason why they started to actually hang out with each other. She can’t even tell them, she and Paige had a proper agreement.. But she needed advice. She was willing to tell Paige that she wants to share their arrangement to the duo.

And just like that, Paige shooted a 3, a buzzer beater. The Uconn team won against the Maryland! The game finished, and Y/n didn’t even realize it at first.

You know that feeling wherein a name is introduced to you, and you start seeing them all over the place? That is what Y/n is feeling, but it started when the incident with Paige happened. Yes, Paige was everywhere, whether it was on a poster or during school events. However, Y/n kept on seeing her every time you’re at the library, the halls, the cafeteria, and hell even the bar.

On a Wednesday morning, Y/n was free till after lunch. She had a chance to eat outside, especially since the weather was good. Y/n craved Japanese food–particularly Udon, and headed to a Japanese Restaurant. To no surprise, Paige had also just arrived at the restaurant. While waiting for a table, multiple buzzes came from Y/n’s phone.

Emily

Hey, can we talk?

About the letter.

Y/n had no intentions of talking to Emily, as she thought that it would end their friendship and maybe even have her sister dislike her, hence why she is ignoring Emily. When Y/n was signalled to sit down and check the menu, the tall blonde also sat at the seat in front of her. “So.. you going to ignore me or what?” Paige started talking. “We just don’t really talk.” Y/n shrugged, playing with the corner end of the menu. “Why are you seated in front of me?” Y/n added. “I am alone, and you’re alone so..” Paige said and scanned the menu.

It was awkwardly silent after Paige made the comment. “You won’t acknowledge the letter L/n?” Paige cut off the quiet noise. “You are not the only one I wrote a letter to, Bueckers. Don’t act so cocky. I only wrote the letter because you were my first kiss, and it was quite significant to me” Y/n called the waiter and ordered her food.

“So I'm not the only one? And it was all because of that truth or dare kiss? Damn you’re a player” Paige felt shocked. “Well no, that’s not it. I wrote these years ago. Each person at a different time. I wrote four.” Y/n explained, taking a sip of water.

“Four? Care to let me know?” Paige grew curious. “No way!” Y/n protested. “Well you could not tell me and I’ll tell the whole school that you like me..” Paige’s cocky smile grows.

“Excuse me? I am NOT delusional? And plus, no one cares anymore about anyone in college.” You scoffed. The food arrived, and you both thanked the waitress.

“Are you sure? You’re a head school writer too, people know you.” Paige giggled, and took a bite of her food. You rolled your eyes at her, giving a “Don’t test me” look.

“Fine, fine! Okay so of course you’re part of it, then Aubrey Griffin..” you start. “No way! She was my teammate before! But I agree, she is very fine.” Paige laughed.

“Mhm! Moving on.. I also wrote to Caitlin Clark.” You said, starting to get embarrassed. “I see your type. She was our schoolmate for like a year right? But. isn’t she straight?” Paige clarified.

“Oh. I didn’t know and still do not know. She’s very pretty though.” Y/n explained. “Okay next! Er.. Emily Engstler? Do you know her? She’s in the WNBA now.” Y/n continued.

“And another player.. But I know her! I know all things women's basketball. Wait wait.. isn’t she your sister’s girlfriend? Nika?” Paige gasped, and drank from her iced tea with shocked eyes.

“I mean Emily was my best friend, and she was the first person I liked. Didn’t show my feelings though.” Y/n stated. “It feels so damn awkward, and I certainly do not want to talk to Emily about my (then) feelings about her.. so I kinda just.. kissed you? I’m trying to ignore her.” Y/n added. “Damn, that’s crazy L/n. How’d you even become friends with Engstler?” The blonde asked.

“She was my neighbour, and we are 2 years apart, so we kinda related to each other. We were so close, until her and my sister became a thing. They still invited me to their dates but I would always still feel different.” Y/n continued, reminding herself of the friendship she had with Emily.

Paige then got an idea, which Y/n knew was going to be a bad one once she gave you that “I have this crazy idea that I like but you might not like however I want to convince you” look.

“You know that my ex, Mia Clarkson, our school mate even from grade school, fumed when someone told her you kissed me.” Paige started. “Probably. She was my best friend, but our friendship broke after that truth or dare kiss with you.” Y/n shared.

“No way! I never thought that she would have a “history” with you. Anyways, well.. What if we start fake dating? Emily would stop trying to reach you, and Mia would want to get back with me when she sees how I am with another girl!” Paige shared her idea, your head not believing that she just said those words.

“No way. I mean, really?” Y/n wasn’t convinced. “It would be great. When Mia sees us, she would come back to me in no time, especially with your history with her. And if Emily checks her social media apps, then she would see that we are in a relationship, which would give you that boundary.” Paige explained further.

Y/n thought for a while. This could either go so fast or so slow. She thought hard, and weighed the pros and cons. People may hate her, however, she could stay away from Emily for a while till she knows how to approach her. And this could give her new experiences too.

“Fine, deal. But we have to make a contract though.”

“Contract? What would we need a contract for?” Paige asked. “This will be my “first” relationship, and we need boundaries. I do not want my first relationship to have all of its firsts being fakes.” Y/n explained. “I get you. What do you want to put in the contract?” Paige got a paper from her oh so big gym bag. “You probably have your whole life in that bag! Anyways, first rule. I do not like kissing.” Y/n starts.

“How can we show affection then?” Paige followed up. “You can hug me. Oh! You can put your hands in my back pocket.” Y/n smiled. “What are you, an 80s kid?” Paige snickered. “Leave me alone, it's romantic!” Y/n defended herself. “Whatever. Okay next rule. You have to come to my games, and I can come to any programs you would want to bring me to.” Paige wrote on the paper.

“Okay. We would also have to post each other on social media. Not always, but at least make our relationship known.” Y/n took the paper from Paige and wrote the rule. “Deal. Oh! I will give you simple notes, Mia always asked me to give her, but I never did. She’ll go crazy if she sees me give you notes.” Paige said. “And.. You will have to come with me on the annual UCONN ski trip.” Paige added.

The UCONN ski trip? That’s like a day of easy room access for intimacy. Those who did not lose their virginities during high school lost their virginities during the ski trip. Y/n thought. “That’s three whole months from now! Would we even still be doing this by then?” Y/n questioned. “All couples go on the trip. We can just apply this rule if we are still doing this in three months' time.” Paige stated.

“Okay. Fine.” Y/n playfully rolled her eyes at Paige. “We almost forgot the most important rule. We can’t tell anyone, I mean anyone, about this agreement. It would shatter us both.” Y/n took the paper from Paige and wrote the rule with a big font.

“Deal.”

-

A week has gone by, and the “couple” has two events that they would have to go through: (1) UCONN party held by the women’s basketball team, and (2) a basketball practice game of the women’s team against the men’s. The party is on a Wednesday, as it is the last day of Midterms. The practice game is on a Friday. The game in fact is an annual “event” that many people look forward to, especially those who are fans of both the women’s and men’s team.

It is Wednesday afternoon, and Y/n is preparing for the party. She wore a UCONN t-shirt given by Paige, and simple jeans. Y/n was not sure if she should feel excited or nervous, as it will be the first time she and Paige will be seen together.

While putting on make up, Y/n got a text from Paige, saying that she is near. Paige is automatically the designated driver of the relationship, as Y/n has not earned a license yet. After minutes, she heard a car honk, which stated that Paige was there. She got her bag and headed out to meet Paige in the car.

“Hey, you ready for the party?” Paige asked once Y/n was able to settle down at the front seat of the car. “Yeah.” Y/n nervously smiled.

-

Arriving at the house where the party is, before opening the door, Y/n was tying her hair up, however, Paige quickly got the hair tie not letting Y/n put up her hair. “I prefer your hair down, and I will keep this scrunchie of yours” Paige placed her hand in the scrunchie. Y/n scoffed, “You better not lose it.” she said firmly, as it was her favourite tie, given to her by her sister Nika.

Paige nodded, and got her phone out. She opened her camera and asked Y/n to pose for her. Y/n placed her hands on her cheeks, and the camera took a shot. Paige smiled and made it her wallpaper. “Mmm. Smart. Let me take a picture of you too.” Y/n laughed while Paige was giving her poses for the wallpaper.

After the wallpapers had been set, they went on and headed inside the house. The whole UCONN women’s basketball team was there and approached Paige. “Paige! Thought you wouldn’t come! Oh! Who’s this pretty girl?” KK Arnold was the first to approach Y/n, the rest following and stating their hi(s) and hello(s). “Guys, I want you all to meet my girlfriend.” Paige announced loudly enough for the whole house to hear.

“No way! You bagged her?” Azzi jokes, which made Y/n laugh. “You are so so pretty!” Ice complimented Y/n. After a while, Y/n slowly got the hang of being the “center of attention.” The UCONN team made her feel like home, giving her stories about Paige and making funny jokes.

“Okay, enough of us talking. What made you like Paige?” Q asked Y/n. Y/n, however, did not know how to answer that, only knowing the person for only a week. “Well, she has this side of hers that she only showed me. Paige is really hard working, compassionate, funny, and a whole lot more.” Y/n did not completely lie. She and Paige had an agreement only they knew, and referring to the posters and sports posts, she knew Paige had an excellent personality especially on the court.

Paige smiled when Y/n was speaking, however, her eye saw the figure of Mia Clarkson, who signalled her to follow her to the bathroom.

“What do you need?” Paige asked Mia, closing the bathroom door. “Why are you with her?” Mia asked, clearly showing that she was jealous and mad. “That is none of your business” Paige said firmly, looking at herself in front of the mirror.

“Oh what’s this?” Mia then acknowledged the scrunchie being worn by Paige, and got it out of her hand. Mia then fixed her hair, and asked Paige if she “looked good tonight.” “You always look good.” The blonde slightly smiled. Mia smirked, and walked out of the bathroom, leaving Paige alone.

Paige did not know why she did not make a move, it was clear that Mia was already showing signs of interest again. She didn’t feel the “spark” she was hoping to feel, maybe it was just that it’s too early into the agreement, and Paige always reaches for that sense of accomplishment, which she wouldn’t have felt if she already made a move on Mia.

Y/n’s always been into books, poems, and anything literature. As someone who is shy, the stories she read accompanied her throughout middle school and even through college.

She had a lot of books surrounding her room, and she spent her free time at the library the most. She is now currently at her house, fixing her messy room before she goes back to her college, UCONN, before the school year starts.

Another fact about Y/n is that she keeps everything. All the notes from her friends, all the receipts she’s gotten, she keeps it all in a box. To add, she also keeps her memories of her past crushes safely. Y/n has a box full of letters addressing to her past crushes. She in total has 4 letters, each letter has a different emotion and meaning to it.

The 4 letters are addressed to: (1) Aubrey Griffin. South Carolina Basketball Player. Y/n had Model UN with her in high school, but Aubrey quit to focus more on her basketball dreams. Aubrey had an aura which made Y/n attracted to her during their MUN days. Y/n and Aubrey were quite close, and became good friends when you both learned that you will be going to the same college. She had a good basketball career in UCONN, but decided to transfer to South Carolina. She is still doing great.

(2) Caitlin Clark. Iowa Basketball player. Y/n had a good time with her during their junior halloween party. They both dressed quite silly, which brought them to talk to each other. Y/n felt seen for the first time.

(3) Paige Bueckers. UCONN basketball player.. She was Y/n’s first kiss. Going back to grade 6, Y/n knew her as her (then) bestfriend’s crush, and apparently the whole population in school has been crushing too. Y/n and her (then) bestfriend were invited to their first party and when they arrived, a truth or dare has been going on. When it was Y/n’s turn, Paige’s friend dared her to kiss Paige. Y/n was hesitating, and Paige was the one to come closer to Y/n, closing the gap. Y/n’s bestfriend felt hatred, while Y/n felt something different, which she shrugged off.

And (4). Emily Engstler. WNBA Connecticut Suns player. Her first girl friend, with a space. She is her neighbor, a good basketball player, and her childhood bestfriend, however, things changed when emily started dating Y/n’s sister, Nika. It was a bit of a heartbreak for Y/n, as she liked Emily ever since childhood days, all until up to Y/n just getting over Emily for her sister.

The last fact about Y/n is that—her letters are missing. Gone and out of the box.

“Nia? NIA!” She called her little sister, and asked her if she knew anything about the papers inside of the box.

“No..” she answered. Y/n groaned out of frustration, looking everywhere for her letters. The letters she made had the dorm addresses of her past crushes.

After moments of looking, Y/n was called to dinner. She sat on the table, along with Nia, Nika, Emily, and her dad. Her mom unfortunately passed away when she was little, and they all surely miss her.

As they were eating, Nika shared that she will be moving from UCONN to Iowa. She is an amazing basketball player, along with Emily. Maybe she started your exposure to the basketball players you used to have eyes on.

Emily was surely happy for Nika, but somehow got sad with the sudden decision. Nika then called out Emily and went to the living area to talk to her.

After an hour, Y/N felt defeated, hoping that the letters will come back to you or are in a garbage bag. She got her suitcases ready for her flight back to UCONN tomorrow.

While finishing up packing, Nika knocked on Y/n’s door. “Emily didn’t take it well?” she asked Nika, who replied back with a nod. “I know long distance is hard. I had to end it too. Mom didn’t want specifically me to get a partner while in college, and I really have to focus on basketball now.” Nika gave her little sister a hug. “You what?” Y/n was confused, Nika and Emily were surely so in love with each other. Y/n comforted Nika, and they both slept after being tired the whole day.

The following day, the girls’ dad brought Nika and Y/n to the airport to get ready for a new school year. They all bid their goodbyes, and went to the different terminals as the two sisters are now in separate colleges and states.

While waiting to board, Y/n was listening to songs with her headphones. A tall blonde figure then came into her view. “Emily. Hi.” Y/n spoke. “Hi. Ready for a new year?” The basketball player asked, putting down her personal belongings.

“Yeah. Hey.. even if your trip didn’t end well, thank you for visiting. Hope you have a fun time with Connecticut Suns.” Y/n removed her headphones and had a conversation with Emily.

“Flight to Connecticut, now boarding.”

After the flight, Y/n and Emily bid their goodbyes and gave each other a “good luck.” Their friendship may have faded away due to relationships, basketball, and college, but they will always care for each other, just like when they were 5/6 years old playing with toys.

-

A week later, Y/n was running around the field for her P.E. Class, which she hated the most. As she was running, a familiar face was walking towards her.

“Hey look Y/n uhm. I just got out of a relationship, and..” the figure stated. Y/n felt confused. Why is Paige Bueckers suddenly talking again to her after years of not talking to each other?

“What? What do you mean?” Y/n stopped her tracks. “The letter was nice but, I don’t like you like that L/n.” Paige explained, showing Y/n an envelope addressed to Paige’s dorm.

It all made sense to Y/n now. She didn’t expect for her letters to actually be sent out, and it’s giving her a small panic attack. “Look, you do not get it..” Y/n began to explain, however, her voice stops when she sees another tall blonde figure walking, Emily, holding a letter that is most likely Y/n’s “love” letter to her. Did Emily drove here just to show the letter? Y/n thought.

“Holy shit” Y/n stated, and pulled Paige Bueckers into a kiss. That was Y/n’s first kiss that is not from a party game, and she did not know how to act.

Paige also did not know how to act, and just went with the flow. After about seconds seconds seconds of their small “makeout” session, Y/n pulled away.

“You run not kiss! Why is Bueckers here? And Y/n! Another lap for you.” The P.E. Teacher fumed and rolled their eyes.

you were in charge of blocking paige bueckers, a skillfull player in uconn, as your coach noticed how you always knew her plays and tactics. what your coach did not know was that, paige was your ex, whom you met back in the 2019 world cup. knowing paige’s strategies were natural to you.

aubrey griffin, a huskie (and an old friend), grabbed the ball from your teammate. she then passed it to nika muhl (another old friend), who passed it to paige. you were trying your best to block the ball-until it shoots, making the scores a tie of 65-65. your coach immediately requested for a time out.

looking at the time, there were only 10 seconds left, which made you anxious due to your mistake. your coach gave your team strategies. “okay team, we got this. y/n that wasn’t a mistake. just make up for it.” your coach said, giving you a pat on the back.

back in the game, you were blocking paige, and paige made you trip, which caused a foul. you weren’t sure with what you feel, as this moment only gave you a deja vu.

2 years ago, you visited the uconn huskies for your girlfriend. you all played a small game, and you got fouled as kk arnold accidentally hit you. you all took it lightly of course, but you also all practiced proper rules. they asked you to have free throws, with all the members of the team cheering for you, and paige giving you a quick peck on the cheek as she hands you the ball.

going back to the present, you felt everyone’s eyes on you. you dribbled the ball, got a point. both cheers and groans were being heard from all the sides of the stadium. you threw another-point! you felt happier, as if you were able to redeem yourself.

the game continued, and caitlin gave a foul to paige. this is the longest 10 seconds ever of my life you thought. before throwing, paige gave you a look, eyes hinting that she longed for you but at the same time with range, which came from the game. you noticed her, the eye contact came in quick up until the referee gave her the ball to throw. looking at the time, the game only had 4.3 seconds left, and if paige got both throws, you needed a tie breaker.

paige did infact get her two throws and earned uconn 2 points. it was still a tie. the ball fell from the ring, and kate martin, your teammate, received it. she looked everywhere for an open spot, and it was only yours who was open.

you got the ball from kate’s pass, and you honestly did not know what to do. you felt all the nervousness as you were positioned quite far. you saw the ring, threw the ball, and hoped for the best. the sound indicating that the game finished played, and your ball went in. a buzzer beater.

you didn’t know what to feel, and the world felt quiet up until your teammates came to you and hug you.

“FINALS BOUND BABY!” caitlin shouted, the rest of the team following her. you all celebrated, shouting many cheers. you and your teammates also went to the uconn players, as they were also friends with many of them.

this moment to you still felt like it was a dream, and you being so tired was making you have a low social battery. you were surrounded by many familiar faces without game tension, most of which you missed. nika, kk, and aubrey were the friends you missed the most. you got closer to them as you always were at paige’s dorm.

“AUBREY! i missed you” you screamed and hug your old friend, you regained so much energy, your tiredness left. she was also very excited and reciprocated the hug, “been a long time huh, how are you?” she asked. “doing good! how about you? getting drafted soon?” you replied back smiling wide.

“nah, ill be a super senior! paige and i..” she announced, with a hint of hesitation when she said the last phrase. you understood why aubrey mentioned paige, she was the reason you and her got close, and it was natural for her to mention her. “oh that’s cool! injuries allowed me to grab another year, however, i think ill push thru with the draft already.” you said, trying to ignore what she told you about your ex. aubrey then gave you a wide smile, congratulating you.


after more minutes of talking, nika and kk appraoched you. “OUR GIRL IS BACKKKK” they were both excited to see you too. the four of you then talked about each other’s careers and recent hobbies. you were filled with joy when nika told you that she was also invited to the wnba draft. kk also told you about her ongoing sponsorships and training camps.

you were filled with excitement and joy with all of their achievements. you then heard kate shout at you, indicating for you to come close to her. you bid your goodbyes to your old friends, and went ahead to kate.

“look who i am talking to! caitlin said before that you were a fan.” kate revealed paige bueckers, who was in her usual basketball jersey (of course) and had quite a messy braid hair-do. she still looks good you thought.

kate didn’t know about your history with paige, only caitlin did. it felt awkward, and your social battery suddenly went low, however, not wanting to gain speculation, you just continued on with the conversation.

“oh yeah. hi paige!” you stated, shaking her hand. “hi y/n. good game out there.” paige replied to you, retaining eye contact.

“yeah good game.” you nonchalantly replied, trying to hold back a smile. it did not feel right talking to paige like you are strangers, you still longed for her clingy touches and the sweet tone her voice has when she talks to you.

you, kate, and paige had a small conversation, and after awhile, your coach called everyone to get ready to come back to the hotel.

a couple hours later, your teammates were celebrating, however, you wanted to have your “comfort” drink. you loved 7-11’s slurpee, and you always get it whenever you feel tired or drained.

you went inside the store, and got your slurpee. you took a seat, and plugged in your earphones. after, you just blankly looked at the outside window, observing the night life of cleveland.

suddenly, a familiar figure sat down beside you. “tough game huh?” paige asked. “explains the slurpee.” you replied, also acknowledging her own order of slurpee. when you were still together, you always brought along paige to your 7-11 runs.

“really, good job on the game. i am proud of you and little you would be proud too.” paige comforted you, hinting a smile. “thank you. i was just really pressured this game, and you being part of our opposing team did not help either.” you joked, giving a small laugh.

“oh come on!” you and paige laughed. silence was now back, you both just looking out and drinking your slurpees in silence, and somehow, in comfort.

“i missed you. talking to you like a stranger felt wrong.” paige then said, ending the silence.

you didn’t realize how much you have longed for this, that paige still has a big effect on you. you were glad that she felt the same way.

your mom is a “cool mom”. she’s a very successful person. from being a basketball star in her high school to being scouted to uconn for her skills, and to being drafted the wnba.

she played with indiana fever, and stopped playing at 26, as she met your dad and had dreamt of a family. many people didn’t like her decision of stopping basketball, but as she will get better salary at a different field she’s also good in (marketing), and since she wanted a family, she didn’t care about all the negative comments.

she had a good career in basketball, but a woman can change her dreams. people should always be supportive of the goals women have, even if a woman wants to create a family. let women be happy!

2 years later, she had you. you grew up to be very different from your mom. you hated basketball, it’s not a sport where you excel. you excelled in ballet as all parents do, they placed you in a ballet class at the age of 3. you loved doing ballet ever since, and your parents supported you in every step you took.

as a shining ballerina, you’ve been studying in college at the julliard school. you started 2 years ago, and now in your junior year of college. you’ve been training hard to become a professional ballet dancer.

college has been really stressful for you, but luckily it was the last week of march, which is the start of spring break for you.

you book a flight to cleveland that week, as you’re parents are there to see your family friend. as a uconn star, your mom has been friends with uconn’s basketball coach—coach geno. coach geno has been your mom’s coach during her senior year in college, and has been family ever since. coach geno was your mom’s figuratively “cool uncle.”

you arrived at cleveland, and texted your parents that you’re on the way to your hotel. when you arrived, your parents were estatic to see you, asking you many details about your recent week.

after having a conversation, your parents invited you to eat dinner with your family friend. you said yes, and everyone started to get ready.

you and your parents headed to the restaurant, and saw coach geno at the entrance waiting for your family.

“its coach!” your mom said. “hey kiddo! glad you guys are here, glad to have you guys support our team.” coach geno shaked hands with you and your father. your mind began to think.. support? how..?

“how are you coach geno?” you asked, as your family and coach geno settle down on a table. “doing good! your parents haven’t told you this yet, but I’m actually here for a uconn final four game against iowa, and I’ve got tickets for you and your parents. you want to come?” coach geno explained.

so that’s the support he was talking about. iowa also rang a bell in your mind, many of your classmates in school are obsessed with an iowa player. caitlin clark? you think.

you haven’t really watched a basketball game for so long, but the basketball spirit is always fun. you answered a “yes” to coach geno. your parents, especially your mom, were very excited to come to the game. you all then had a good time eating lunch.

fast forward to the following day, which was game day. your mom wanted everyone to wear a uconn clothing. she gave you a “vintage” dark blue baby tee that has uconn at the front. you paired it with a white ruffled skirt and rubber shoes.

it was 9am, and geno was advicing your family to come at the basketball stadium by 10am as he wants the team to introduce your family to the team, especially your mom, since she was a uconn player.

you were doing your hair, a simple half ponytail, and your mom asked you and your dad if you were both ready to leave.

your dad hasn’t really gotten ready yet, and your family just decided to leave at 9:30am. this gave you more time to get your makeup done and prepare your belongings.

after getting ready, you and your parents travelled to the stadium. geno met your family at the front of the stadium, which was already packed with fans. people were also talking about your mom being there, many of the people trying to get a glimpse of a wnba star.

geno then guided you guys inside of the stadium, which had both iowa and uconn media teams getting ready for their interviews and commentaries. walking past them, you and your family made it to uconn’s designated locker room and waiting area.

you see uconn’s women’s basketball team, who were all very excited to meet your mom.

“you know who this is ladies, and with her are her family. that’s her husband and daughter” coach geno introduced you and your dad to the team as well.

everyone were saying their “hello”s, and after your mom having a small chit chat with the team, she and your dad were hungry.

“coach, there are many food stalls around the stadium right? im famished, ill eat first, ill come back after” your mom stated, fixing her belongings.

“yeah there’s a lot! no problem.” coach geno smiled. “hey y/n, you wanna come with us or stay here?” your mom asked. you were actually already talking to a member, nika, and was enjoying the conversation.

“can i stay here mom? i still feel full since i ate leftovers from last night.” you asked, your parents nod and told you to keep safe.

after your parents leave, the team got more chaotic as time passed by. you just continued chatting with nika.

“so, any hobbies?” nika asked, while offering you a small pack of doritos she got from a table. “well.. i would want to do ballet for a living.” you responded, accepting her snack offer.

“no way!!! do you do it as an extracurricular after school?” she said with an excited-and-suprised-at-once tone. “well, i study at julliard so, i do ballet for my studies basically.” you explained.

“you do ballet? that’s so cool! i cant even do a split!” kk butted in the conversation, with the others following.

everyone’s attention is now on you, all asking about how julliard works and your accomplishments. they were all just weirdly looking at your doritos, but you shrugged it off. they were probably all just craving it.

you then got to learn more about the team, how they were scouted, and their current training process and such. you loved everyone in the team.

kk is funny and kind, ice is sweet, aubrey is fun, nika is down to earth, and paige is friendly and sickeningly attractive.

those were just some of the team, and you were very enthusiastic to learn more about the others too.

“so, has your mom ever taught you basketball?” paige asked, her attractive voice and pretty face catching you off guard.

“oh uh, not really. her and dad play all the time though.. and i usually watch. not into basketball but i maybe know a thing or two.” you answered, your cheeks flushing.

“well that’s too bad, i wanted to see you hoop.” paige replied while spinning a basketball. kk then got it. “well i want to see paige do 10 pirouettes, you should teach her y/n.”

paige and y/n chuckled. “i would matic fail. y/n would not want to be friends with me anymore!” paige answered.

after about an hour of more chit chatting, it was now time for warm ups on the court. you were bidding your goodbyes and giving everyone a goodluck.

“i better see you shout chants y/n! ill wave at you when i see you!” paige said, tying her shoes. “bet you i will.” you smiled.

you then approached nika one again. “i will definitely shout whenever you score. goodluck nika!” you gave her a small hug.

“thank you y/n! had fun with you today! ill search you on instagram later. enjoy your doritos!” nika reciprocated your hug.

lastly, you approached coach geno, thanking him for letting you stay and told him goodluck. he thanked you back and gave you directions to the entrance of the stadium.

you then left the room, making your way to the entrance where your parents texted you to meet at. you then looked at the doritos once again, and saw a note.

you’re cute. can i take you out on a date?

if you would like to, don’t hesitate to text me

+01-NNN-NNN-NNN. <3 paige

uconn freedom wall entry #2205

paige and y/n are dating. the uconn wbb went to the football game, and y/n was with them. she was wearing paige’s jersey shirt. they weren’t seated beside each other, but they kept on glancing at each other, i was near their seat. can’t believe a freshman bagged paige bueckers 🤷‍♀️

comments:

huzkieeees: explained their nonstop bickering

paigefan: NOOOOO

y/n’s heart was beating fast as she read the post. have they not have heard of privacy? what do you mean they kept on glancing at each other?

kk and azzi waited for y/n to respond, getting more curious for what she would say. “its okay y/n we already know.” kk said, to give y/n a “safe space,” with azzi agreeing to her.

“i dont know where to start.” y/n said, she planned on telling the two about what she felt different about paige. “i know ive disliked her, but im not gonna lie, i like her attention. i felt rewarded when she replies back to my shit talking.. and yesterday.” y/n briefly explained.

“WHAT YESTERDAY?” both azzi and kk asked, with their eyes growing bigger with y/n confessing about what she feels toward paige. “when you guys asked me who would i kiss on the team, i thought about paige. it was so weird though, since ive disliked her. i literally can’t sleep yesterday since i kept on thinking about her. maybe my petty acts were disguises to get her attention. i dont know.” y/n explained further.

“the psychology student is finally psychology student-ing!” kk joked, azzi slapping her arm. “seriously though y/n, the others have been noticing about your actions toward paige. you may like the basketball player.” azzi places her hand on y/n’s left shoulder.

“we’re not asking you to make a move quickly, but you should reflect on your actions first boo.” kk added. “maybe, but you and i aren’t always correct. i might just let the flow go. and plus, i do not have energy to respond to any of the rumors. whats true is true and whats false is false.” y/n said, getting up immediately stretching her whole body.

“that’s true. this rumor might be a plus even, paige always gets bombarded with crazy girl and boy fans thinking that they can get a shot with paige.” azzi agreed. after the conversation, the three waited patiently for the others to comeback with their breakfast.

when the rest of the team arrived, they all gathered around the living room or the kitchen area to eat. they opened the tv to watch an nba game. y/n could feel paige’s eyes on her, and paige could feel y/n’s eyes on her. it was a weird feeling for them both, not bickering to each other the second they are in each other’s presence.

everyone’s laughing around, but even to them it was obvious that there was a tension between paige and y/n.

“oh y/n uh here’s a coffee. aub said that you will need it.” paige handed y/n a spanish latte, which was her absolute favorite. when paige gave y/n the drink, their hands touched, which weirdly gave both of them an “electric feeling” the two just shrugged, thinking that maybe it was from the freedom wall post and they just felt overall weird after that. y/n then replied with to paige with a “thank you”, and went to kk and azzi’s corner in the living room.

after eating their breakfast, they all decided to get ready to walk around the campus as their “saturday not-so workout.” it takes 2 hours for the whole team to get ready, hence there is no need to worry about how they just ate.

it was always tradition for the team to walk around the campus during saturdays. they get to visit the buildings and other parts of campus that they dont normally go.

people then started to get ready, with paige announcing to everyone that she has dibs first to her own shower. she got responded with “GIRL JUST SHOWER!” “SHOWER NOW! NOT LATER THEN IF YOU DONT WANT PEOPLE STEALING YOUR SHOWER TIME!” by her teammates. paige rolled her eyes, and walked into her room and closed her door to get ready. the team huddles into the dining area.

“so, what’s our plan for next week?” nika asked the team.

“what’s going to happen next week?” y/n responded with another question.

“you know y/n, at this point i just think that you have a liking for me. if you don’t then.. why is my name and jersey number at the back of your shirt?”

y/n’s eyes widened, and check the name at the back of her shirt. it said bueckers with the jersey number 5. she immediately explained that aubrey gave it to her.

“i do not have a crush on you! don’t be so much of an assumer. aubrey gave it to me” y/n denied. “i left the shirt?” paige asked aubrey, furrowing her eyebrows. “think so. didn’t know that it has a name at the back..” aubrey explained nonchalantly and grabbed her phone. paige and y/n just shrugged it off, and waited for the game to start.

in a groupchat, the messages were going wild.

nika

AUBREY YOU’RE SO DONE

aubrey

atp why can’t they realize they love messing with each other because they want each others attention 🤦‍♀️

azzi

you’re so smart aubrey i love you

nika

cant believe we have to do their own first moves

kk

LIKEEEEE

never seen paige so happy when she messes with y/n

ice

paige is literally stopping her smile right now 😭

q

and i thought y/n is a psychology student 🤷‍♀️


the messages stopped after awhile just before as the game started. everyone had fun, the team jumping when the uconn team makes a point, and shouting uconn chants every now and then.

after the football game, uconn fortunately won, and everyone’s school spirit were showing. the women’s basketball team all decided to get uber eats and eat at paige and azzi’s dorm.

when they arrived at the dorm, y/n asked the team if she can leave, as she didn’t want to feel left out due to the fact that she isn’t part of the team or even as active as them in sports.

everyone started saying no, they all genuinely wanted y/n to be there. she is always a good company.

the team ordered wingstop, and thought of what to do for the night. some suggested karaoke, dance battle, but truth or dare (or shots) won for the night, everyone was just in their mood to feel oozy.

the food finally arrived, and they all immediately started to eat. after some time, azzi brought beer, tequila specifically.

play: anytime by sza

“okay lets get this party started!!! we have a very very special guest today….. y/n!” azzi playfully said. everyone got hyped and started the game.

“okay so truth or dare. if you don’t want to answer the question or do the dare, you get a shot” nika explained, and got a water bottle to spin. she then spinned, and the bottle’s cap pointed at kk.

“KK!!!!” everyone laughed. “truth or dare boo” aaliyah asked. “dare boo!” kk answered. “okay.. we dare you to sing a cover and send it to coach geno!”

kk was up for it, and sang saturn by sza to coach geno via dms, with many voice cracks and flat notes. everyone was laughing and having fun, with kk being proud of herself. coach geno replied when he got the message, and sent a “😂” and a “just stick with basketball.”

kk now turned the bottle around, which pointed at aubrey. “im choosing truth!” aubrey exclaimed. azzi had a question in mind, and asked who aubreys current liking was. aubrey got shy and answered that she’s been eyeing a junior in the uconn women’s volleyball team.

everyone was shocked, asking if they have talked already or how aubrey discovered her. “nah uh, only one question per turn!” aubrey didn’t ask answer questions, spinning the bottle.

it pointed at paige, with her choosing dare. the team then asked her to text her ex an “i miss you.” paige was always one who does dares, but for this one time, she hesitated. paige wasn’t sure why.

“uhm the girl from lsu?” paige asked, giving her time tho think about it. “duh! she’d always be there whenever we have games and still cheered for uconn even if she’s from lsu” ice mentioned. paige now decided to not send a text, she didn’t want to associate herself from love interests. she didn’t want y/n to witness that, and she didn’t know why.

“i dont know ice, i’ll drink this shot” paige

drank her shot, and everyone in the room felt silent.

do-do you even know im alive?

this was their first time seeing the person who never drinks for a game actually drinking because of a game. either way, the team didn’t force paige and continued to have the fun atmosphere.

paige looked around, and saw y/n get up, maybe getting more snacks. paige is now starting to realize how pretty y/n was. paige thought that the “y/n” effect was coming from y/n wearing her jersey. it just simply felt weird for someone in the team (or atleast close to the team) wear her jersey. but she felt nothing when kk wore it.. or when nika wore it.

paige shrugged off the feeling, and spinned the bottle. the bottle pointed at nika, who chose dare. kk had a “good” idea in mind, which was to have nika film a tiktok, as she isn’t always in the team’s tiktoks.

nika groaned but got up, and kk then showed her an easy tiktok dance. y/n and the team then decided to all join her which ended in pure chaos and fun. after the tiktok, everyone got back at their seats still laughing.

nika spinned the bottle, and it now pointed at y/n. y/n said truth, and people were contemplating on what to ask her. q then got an idea, “in the team, who would you like the kiss the most.” q asked. a bunch of “OOOOs” followed.

do-do you even know im alive?

y/n wasn’t sure. scratch that, she was scared. her first thought was paige. she didn’t know what to feel and do, since she thought that she had always disliked the basketball player. was she into paige the whole time, using her “dislike” antics to get paige’s attention?

y/n was taking awhile, the others already asking the same question. instead of answering, she drank her shot instead. everyone was saying “AWWWs” and “NOOOOs.”

the psychology student looked around and saw paige looking at her, like the basketballer didn’t know whether to be happy or not, but y/n just shrugged it off, just like paige.

after many rounds of truth or dare, everyone is either tipsy or wasted. it was around 1am, and they all decided to call it a day night. it was late, and most didn’t seem to be in their proper minds and behavior (some were just really lazy) to come walk back to their dorms, so they all decided to have a sleepover.

y/n was positioned on the couch. everyone said their goodnights, and close the lights. y/n tried to sleep, but with the many thoughts in her mind she cant. she thought about her research, which was due in a month, stressing her out.


she then thought about paige.

do you even know im alive? do you even know?

she can’t comprehend as to why she loved messing around with paige, and why she loved seeing paige give her a negative reaction, but from all these experiences, why was she the first girl she thought of kissing?

after an hour of y/n just looking at the ceiling, she finally got sleep.

-

in the morning, y/n was awoken up by many notifications, with kk and azzi being on their phones and screaming. “goodmorning guys, what happened?” y/n asked, stretching her arms.

“brace yourself, you can scream as loud as you want since it’s just us three. the others went to dunkin and bought breakfast, they might take time” kk explained.

azzi gave y/n her cellphone, with a post from uconn’s freedom wall.

uconn freedom wall entry #0105

paige and y/n are dating. the uconn wbb went to the football game, and y/n was with them. she was wearing paige’s jersey shirt. they weren’t seated beside each other, but they kept on glancing at each other, i was near their seat. can’t believe a freshman bagged paige bueckers 🤷‍♀️

comments:

huzkieeees: explained their nonstop bickering

paigefan: NOOOOO

-

zo’s notes: hope you guys enjoyed! sorry for being ia